University News

OPS Recovers Stolen Letter

May 9, 2013

MACOMB, IL -- The Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety (OPS) has recovered a letter that was stolen during the early morning hours May 9 from the Western sign in front of the Alumni House.

According to OPS Lt. Tom Clark, the department conducted an investigation based on witness accounts regarding individuals who were observed tampering with the sign. The letter, which is valued at approximately $1,300, was recovered by OPS officers in a rural location west of Macomb. Thomas Griffin, 20, of 516 Olson Hall and Brett Stocker, 22, of 825 Corbin Hall were arrested at 1:50 p.m. Thursday, May 9 for theft of government property and criminal damage of government property. Andrew Kirker, 21, of 722 Corbin Hall was arrested at 3 p.m. for theft. They were lodged in the McDonough County Jail [this arrest will be included in the May 10 OPS Report].

"This was a group effort between OPS, University Housing and Dining Services and Electronic Student Services. Solid police work led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the University's property," Clark said. "This started with an individual calling the police as the crime was in progress. We appreciate the support we get from our community and that our student called public safety when they witnessed what appeared to be a crime in progress. I'd like to commend the work of the officers at the Office of Public Safety for their work in solving this crime quickly."

Information about crimes can be reported to the Office of Public Safety at (309) 298-1949 or to the Macomb Area Crime Stoppers at (309) 836-3222. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=686 or by texting CRIMESTOP and the tip to CRIMES (274637).